Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT to Help N.Y. Companies Use Green Technologies to Create Jobs

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RIT and New York State Pollution Prevention Institute prepares to assist New York companies become more eco friendly

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology today launched its Green Initiative to provide a sustainable road map for New York businesses, state Department of Environment Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens and NYSP2I Director Anahita Williamson announced. The Green Initiative programs will propel nascent green technologies and products to the next step in commercialization and provide expertise in developing more sustainable manufacturing supply chains.

The Green Initiative will foster a new era of manufacturing competitiveness by creating opportunities for innovation, environmental stewardship and production efficiency. The effort is divided into two components, the Green Technology Accelerator Center, or GTAC, and the Sustainable Supply Chain and Technology Program. Both components of the two-year program were developed to increase the availability of green jobs and generate additional revenue for New York state businesses.

“P2I is once again promoting sustainability by helping New York businesses use more environmentally friendly practices that have the potential to increase their bottom lines,” Martens said. “P2I’s Green Initiative is proving that what is good for the environment is also good for the economy. DEC is proud to fund P2I’s efforts to lessen the environmental footprint of New York’s business sector.”

“NYSP2I is excited to launch the Green Initiative,” Williamson said. “Both the Green Technology Accelerator Center and Sustainable Supply Chain and Technology programs align with New York state’s mission to continue to grow jobs. These programs will fill the gaps and provide technical assistance to incubators and existing companies wanting to develop, accelerate and compete in current and emerging markets.”

The Green Technology Accelerator Center will help three to six companies market green technologies and products. Through the program, the Pollution Prevention Institute, university partners and technology incubators will provide technical development assistance and support to both startup and established companies to develop and commercialize green technology concepts. Products may include sustainable building materials, green chemicals, water and energy efficiency technologies, toxin replacement and substitution, material recycling and remanufacturing.

The Sustainable Supply Chain and Technology Program will help eight New York state manufacturers take advantage of global sustainable manufacturing and green supply chain opportunities. It will enable manufacturers to enter into new and existing green markets by helping them identify and comply with voluntary green standards and certification requirements. NYSP2I will also provide technical assistance to manufacturers in sustainable practices and help New York state suppliers market products that meet sustainability standards.

Complemar Partners Inc., the first company to utilize the Green Technology Accelerator Center program, manufactures equipment that uses ultraviolet light technology for cider pasteurization. The company will use the GTAC program to conduct a case study to validate and quantify its product’s performance using a Pollution Prevention Institute partner university as a technical resource.

Complemar Vice President of Operation and Client Solutions Ann Wood said: “The GTAC initiative provides Complemar the opportunity to utilize the expertise of NYSP2I and the RIT team to accelerate the growth of Complemar’s Food Processing Equipment Division. Our CiderSure equipment, with its low energy consumption, provides an economic solution to the apple industry. The GTAC project fast tracks our products into larger markets, creating new opportunities for employment in the Rochester community.”

Businesses interested in learning more about the programs should contact NYSP2I at 585-475-2512 or nysp2i@rit.edu.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute provides statewide, comprehensive and integrated programming in technology research, development and diffusion, training, and education aimed at making New York state more sustainable for workers, the public, the environment and the economy. The institute was created in 2008 through a grant from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Additional partners include Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, the State University of New York at Buffalo and New York’s 10 Regional Technology Development Centers.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams said: “Facilitating business growth and opportunity is a top priority for Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development. The Green Initiative launched by P2I is yet another tool now available to help our start-up companies and existing businesses move their innovative green technologies and products into the marketplace. We’re proud to partner with our state’s premier research and development institutions like the Rochester Institute of Technology in attracting critical private sector investment in our emerging high technology fields and creating the green jobs of the future.”

State Sen. Mark Grisanti said: “I am pleased that the NYSP2I right here in Rochester will be helping companies utilize green technologies to develop and commercialize green products. All of New York state will become more competitive if it finds ways for manufacturers to pool resources when it comes to making practices more environmentally friendly throughout the making and distribution of products. The Green Initiative should help generate both revenue and green jobs for New York. This is the kind of project DEC should continue to support.”

“As chair of the assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, I see the overwhelming value this green initiative will have on businesses that enroll in the program,” Assemblyman Robert Sweeney said. “Companies like Complemar will be able to take advantage of the Green Technology Acceleration Center to incorporate real-world economic solutions utilizing green technology.”

“I applaud the Rochester Institute of Technology, the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, and the partnership of 16 research technological laboratories across the state whose goal is to make New York state more sustainable for workers, the public, the environment and the economy through reductions in toxic chemical use, the efficient use of raw materials, energy and water with the reduction in emissions to the environment and waste generation,” added Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “Through the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices, the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute is attaining the goals of enhanced environmental quality and increased economic competitiveness for our state’s industry and providing a greener planet for our children.”

“RIT is leading the way by developing a blueprint for job growth in which economic and environmental interests complement rather than compete with each other,” Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle said. “This is the key to developing a sustainable and successful economy, and I am proud to support this great institution and the work it’s doing to provide new opportunity and prosperity for our region and state.”

The Business Council of New York State, President and CEO Heather Briccetti said: “The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute has become a facilitator of innovation, practicality and sustainability, resulting in technology that is greener and more cost efficient. Today’s announcement provides opportunity for more businesses in this state to draw upon the resources of the institute; helping them to utilize green technologies. This is a true contribution to the long-term sustainability of New York’s economy.”

“It’s great to know that New York state businesses have a resource in the NYSP2I,” said Paul MacEnroe, president of the Mohawk Valley Applied Technology Corp. “Businesses should take advantage of these new programs that aid in green technology and its advancement in New York.”